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🎨 Art and Wine Festivals, Concerts, and Family Fun

🎨 Art and Wine Festivals, Concerts, and Family Fun

Read more about the planned utility rate hikes and about the potential Stanford cancer treatment center.

Greg Kemper
April 16, 2026

In this week’s edition:

Local Updates: Palo Alto planning utility rate hikes
Business Updates: Stanford exploring a cancer treatment center in Redwood City
Events: Art and wine festivals, concerts, and more

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Palo Alto Plans Big Utility Rate Hikes

Starting this summer, utility bills in Palo Alto are set to rise significantly. Over the next five years, electricity, water, sewer, trash and gas rate increases could add about $36.30 more per month this year for the average household, with similar increases continuing annually. That means total annual utility costs could go from roughly $5,298 today to about $7,388 by 2031, an increase of around $2,090 per year for many residents. The city says the hikes are needed to cover rising operating costs and budget shortfalls, and officials are debating how much to draw from reserves vs. cutting general fund transfers. Locals should start budgeting for these higher bills and watch for council decisions this spring. Read more here.

$10M Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Donation for Local Families

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has announced a $10 million donation to support families in Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and Belle Haven, funding expanded school-based health services and early childhood programs. Part of the grant will help the Ravenswood Family Health Network bring integrated physical and behavioral care directly into more local schools, making it easier for families to access preventive care. Additional funds will bolster early intervention services for young children, helping with screenings and follow-up support through age five. For families in these communities, the investment offers helpful resources to support childhood development and overall well-being. Read more here.

Stanford Explores New Cancer Center in Redwood City

Stanford Health Care is exploring plans to add a new cancer center at its Redwood City campus, which would bring advanced treatment, research and care closer to home for Peninsula residents. The proposal would require changes to local planning rules, including expanded hospital space, additional parking and taller buildings on specified blocks of the campus. City leaders are set to discuss the first stages of planning and zoning changes that would make the project possible. If built, the center could offer cutting-edge therapies and potentially reduce travel for patients who currently go to other medical hubs. Read more here.

Shiok! Singapore Kitchen Returns to Menlo Park

Shiok! Singapore Kitchen has found a new home after being forced to close when their previous building was sold. A Menlo Park staple for over 25 years, this family-run restaurant features classic Singaporean dishes like roti prata, chicken rice, and chili prawns. Congratulations to owner, Dennis Lim, on the reopening! Read more here.

Redwood Grill in Redwood City & Los Altos

Redwood Grill offers a menu centered on American grill classics with a focus on hearty, approachable dishes. Options include steaks, sandwiches, pizzas, and tacos, with something for a range of tastes. The restaurant is known for its comfortable, casual setting suitable for both everyday dining and group meals. Its menu leans into familiar flavors with broad appeal. With multiple Peninsula locations, it maintains a consistent neighborhood-style presence.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Causwells in Menlo Park

Causwells is a modern American bistro and cocktail bar with seasonal, farm-fresh dishes and a laid-back yet refined vibe. The menu highlights shareable starters like smoked salmon sliders, housemade ricotta with honey and rosemary, and market Caesar salad alongside classics such as an Americana burger or crispy chicken sandwich. Craft cocktails accompany dishes built around local produce and thoughtful flavor combinations. Outdoor seating makes it a versatile choice for brunch through dinner.

See more here!

📚 Redwood City Book Drive | Redwood City | Redwood City Library | 4/15 - 4/24 | more
Donate new & like-new books during this community book drive running through April 24 at the Redwood City Library.

🎭 Opening Night of The Cherry Orchard | Los Altos | Busbarn Theater | 4/17 | more
Catch opening night of The Cherry Orchard, a classic stage production kicking off at Busbarn Theater.

🎶 Sound Impact: Time Travel Through Music | Palo Alto | Palo Alto City Library | 4/18 | more
Enjoy a musical program exploring how music has evolved across different eras and cultures.

🚗 Family Fun Days: Travel and Transport | Los Altos | Community Center | 4/18 | more
Bring the family for a themed fun day featuring activities centered around travel, vehicles, and transportation.

🎸 Rock the Dock: The Megatones | Redwood City | 459 Seaport Court | 4/18 | more
Enjoy live music on the waterfront with a mix of rock, country & pop hits at this outdoor concert event.

📖 Arab American Storytime & Craft | Redwood City | Redwood Shores Branch Library | 4/18 | more
Join a special storytime celebrating Arab American culture, followed by a themed craft activity for kids.

🛍️ Micro Pop Up | Redwood City | The Yard | 4/18 | more
Shop a rotating selection of small vendors and local makers during this pop-up market at The Yard.

🌎 Earth Day Festival | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Art Center | 4/19 | more
Celebrate Earth Day with eco-focused activities, community booths, and family-friendly programming at the Art Center.

🌍 World Cafe 2026 | Redwood City | Sequoia High School Multi Purpose Room | 4/21 | more
Experience an international-themed community gathering featuring food, culture, and connection at Sequoia High School.

🎨 Spring Local Art Fair | Woodside | Alice's Restaurant Back Lawn | 4/22 | more
Browse artwork and handcrafted goods from local artists at this spring art fair held behind Alice’s Restaurant.

🍷 The Wine Fair | Redwood City | Feast and Floral | 4/23 | more
Sample and explore a variety of wines during this tasting event hosted at Feast and Floral in Redwood City.

❄️ Frozen Tickets on Sale Now | Palo Alto | Palo Alto Players Theatre | 4/24-5/10 | more
Tickets are now available for Palo Alto Players’ production of Frozen, bringing the beloved story to the local stage.

🥂 Bubbly Stroll Tickets on Sale Now | Los Altos | Downtown | 5/8 | more
Tickets are now available for the Los Altos Bubbly Stroll. This event will sell out, so get your tickets today!